Sophia Hutchins, Caitlyn Jenner’s Friend and Business Manager, Dies at 29 in Tragic ATV Accident
MALIBU, CALIFORNIA — Sophia Hutchins, a longtime friend and trusted business manager of Caitlyn Jenner, tragically died at the age of 29 following a devastating ATV accident near Jenner’s Malibu residence.
According to reports first confirmed by TMZ and PEOPLE, the accident occurred on the morning of Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Hutchins was reportedly operating an ATV when the vehicle collided with a moving car that had two people inside. The impact of the crash sent the ATV careening off the road and down a steep 350-foot ravine.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, but tragically, Hutchins was pronounced dead. The two passengers in the other vehicle were not injured. Law enforcement sources have confirmed there is no indication of foul play, and the crash appears to have been a tragic accident.
A Deep Connection with Caitlyn Jenner
Hutchins became widely known for her close professional and personal relationship with Caitlyn Jenner, the former Olympic gold medalist and reality TV star. The pair first met in 2015, shortly after Jenner came out publicly as transgender. Hutchins, also a transgender woman, formed a strong bond with Jenner over their shared experiences.
Over the years, Hutchins took on the role of Jenner’s manager and became the executive director of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ+ youth. She frequently appeared alongside Jenner at public events and on the E! reality show I Am Cait.
In a 2018 podcast interview on The Hidden Truth with Jim Breslo, Hutchins reflected on her unique partnership with Jenner:
“We have so much in common. We see the world so similarly. It’s just a great match, a great partnership. I manage her career, and we challenge each other to grow.”
Though rumors often swirled about a romantic relationship between the two, both Hutchins and Jenner consistently described their relationship as platonic but deeply meaningful.
A Rising Entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ Advocate
Born on April 1, 1996, in Bellevue, Washington, Sophia Hutchins was a graduate of Pepperdine University, where she studied economics and finance. She quickly rose in the business world, launching LUMASOL, a health-tech startup focused on UV protection and skin wellness, where she served as CEO.
Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Hutchins was admired as a vocal advocate for transgender rights and visibility. She used her platform to encourage open discussions around gender identity and health, particularly among young people navigating similar journeys.
She also made numerous appearances alongside the Kardashian-Jenner family, attending high-profile events such as Kylie Jenner’s 21st birthday bash in 2018 and appearing in social media content that celebrated her vibrant and polished lifestyle.
Outpouring of Tributes
As news of Hutchins’ sudden death spread, tributes poured in from friends, fans, and public figures across social media. Many praised her sharp business acumen, her poise, and the calm and confidence she brought to an often-chaotic entertainment industry.
While Caitlyn Jenner has not yet released a public statement, sources close to the family told PEOPLE that she is “heartbroken” over the tragic loss and is “taking time to grieve privately.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is continuing to investigate the details of the crash.
Remembering Sophia Hutchins
At just 29, Sophia Hutchins had already left a mark on the worlds of business, advocacy, and pop culture. With elegance, intelligence, and empathy, she helped redefine what it means to live authentically — both behind the scenes and in the spotlight.
Her legacy as a trailblazing entrepreneur, LGBTQ+ advocate, and loyal friend will not be forgotten.
